Maps and Communities Study Guide
The lines on a map are imaginary lines. They are placed there to help us navigate on Earth. The most important line of longitude is the Prime Meridian which divides the world into eastern and western hemispheres (halves). The most important line of latitude is the Equator which divides the world in to northern and southern hemispheres (halves).
Maps have many other parts as well. One of them allows us to measure distances on a map. This is a map scale.
Maps also include a map key or legend to show what the symbols on a map mean.
A compass rose is used to show the directions on a map. A compass rose can show both cardinal directions and intermediate directions.
The Continents are the 7 large land masses on Earth. They are North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Antarctica and Australia. Oceans are the 5 large bodies of water. They are the Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean.
Land features for each continent:
Europe:
Mediterranean Sea: An intercontinental sea situated between Europe to the north, Africa to the south and Asia to the east.
Alps Mountains: Largest mountain system in Europe
Italian Peninsula: A boot-shaped peninsula in southern Europe extending into the Mediterranean Sea
North America:
Mississippi River: One of the longest rivers in North America
Rio Grande: Marks part of the boundary between Mexico and the United States
Rocky Mountains: Located in western North American and extended from Canada to New Mexico
Appalachian Mountains: Located in eastern North America and extend from Canada to Alabama
Great Lakes: A series of interconnected freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America
South America:
Amazon River: The second longest river in the world
Andes Mountains: The longest continental mountain range in the world
Amazon Rainforest: The largest tropical rainforest in the world; includes many types of plants and animals
Africa:
Nile River: The longest river in the world
Atlas Mountains; separate the coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean from the Sahara Desert
Sahara Desert: The largest hot desert in the world
Asia:
Huang He River: Flows through much of China
Himalaya Mountains: Home to some of the highest peaks on Earth
Gobi Desert: Asia’s largest desert
Must also be able to use a key to read maps for temperature and precipitation.